Winter is one of those seasons that is very hard for just about any car owner out there. The cold weather and the ice are always going to bring on some additional stress. This stress is not only on the vehicle but the driver as well.
This is why it is essential that you formulate a plan to get your vehicle and yourself through the winter. Below you are going to find some winter car maintenance tips that will protect your car when the temperature begins to drop.
Check and Replace Your Tires
No matter how mild or harsh the winter, the roads are most certainly going to be filled with never-ending hazards.
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider changing your tires to winter ones as these will be better able to handle the snow and ice that will be placed before you. These tires have deeper tread patterns that provide better traction.
This is why they have been known to reduce the risk that you are going to skid and slide when the road is slippery. If you don’t use winter tires, make sure your all-season tires are in good shape.
Be sure the tread depth on the tire is reasonable. Also, remember that cold weather can reduce tire pressure.
Always make sure you are checking and inflating your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Inspect Your Battery
The truth is that car batteries are very likely to fail when the winter season comes around. The cold is going to cause it to reduce its capacity to hold charge in the best way possible.
A weak battery can leave you stranded in frigid conditions, so it’s important to have it tested before the winter season fully kicks in. If you visit an auto shop for a quick visit they will be able to tell you whether or not your battery is holding the charge as it should. If your battery is more than 3 years old you should definitely consider replacing it.
Cleaning any corrosion from the battery terminals and ensuring a secure connection can also help your battery perform better in cold weather.
Switch to Winter-Grade Oil
When winter rolls around it’s a good idea to change out your oil. The oil is going to get thicker in cold weather and this can sometimes make it difficult for your engine to turn over.
To combat this, switch to winter-grade oil if your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it. The reason why it’s a good idea to do this is because winter oils are designed to flow a lot easier when the temperatures are lower.
This ensures that your engine gets the lubrication it needs from the moment you start it up. You can go ahead and refer to your car’s manual so that you can know the correct viscosity of the oil you should be using during the winter months.
Check Your Antifreeze (Coolant)
Antifreeze, also known as coolant, plays a big role in protecting your car’s engine from freezing when the temperatures become too low.
Always make sure that the coolant you are using has adequate levels of antifreeze and water. Try having a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. This is what is usually recommended.
If you are experiencing extremely cold climates, then you may want to consider doing a 60/40 mix. This might offer you some better protection.
Make sure you are inspecting the radiator and hoses to find those leaks. All of these can lead to engine damage and coolant loss.
Replace Wiper Blades and Top Up Washer Fluid
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can drastically reduce visibility. This means you need to make sure that you have wiper blades that are functioning at optimal levels at all times.
Winter wiper blades are designed to handle ice and snow. If you find that the blades you are using are leaving a lot of streaks it’s time to make a change. You may also want to switch things up if your current blades are over six months old. It will definitely be time to replace them.
Additionally, you need to make sure that you use a winter-grade windshield washer fluid at all times. While you are outside looking at your windshield wipers take a moment to inspect your private plates as well.
Make sure they are clean and visible at all times. Snow, ice as well as salt can quickly cover up your number plates making them hard to read.
Having number plates that are easy to read is often required by law so get into the habit of making sure that they are clean and visible at all times during the winter.
Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full
When there is cold weather it’s always good to have the habit of making sure that you keep your gas tank at least half full or all the time. A fuller tank helps prevent moisture from freezing inside the fuel lines, which can cause blockages.
Remember too that when you have a full gas tank you’re also going to add a lot of weight to your car and this is going to provide you with some traction as you navigate those slippery roads.
If you get stuck in a snowstorm and you have a full tank of gas you will be able to keep yourself warm until help arrives.
Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit
Winter conditions can be hard to predict, there’s no doubt about that. This is why it is always best for you to prepare for the unexpected because you never know what will happen.
Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as a flashlight, warm blankets, and gloves.
You can also go ahead and add extra winter clothing in the kit. Place some non-perishable snacks, water, an ice scraper and even a small shovel in your vehicle. These items can be lifesavers during unexpected breakdowns or emergencies on the road.
Test Your Heating and Defrosting Systems
When you have a functioning heater as well as a defroster it can make winter driving very safe. Before the temperature drops, check to ensure that your car’s heating system is working properly.
If the heater takes a long time to warm up or the defroster isn’t working effectively, have a mechanic inspect and repair them.
Featured post
© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
Leave a Reply